Genesis Unveils the Magma GT: A V8-Powered Supercar Redefining Performance

Effortless Velocity - When a brand long celebrated for refined luxury enters the high-octane world of supercars, it immediately draws attention. Genesis, known for its elegant and serene sedans, made a bold statement with the Magma GT Concept—a car that signals the company’s future in high-performance vehicles. As Genesis’ first true sports car, it represents a daring leap into the luxury performance segment while staying true to the brand’s philosophy of balance and refinement. 

The Genesis Magma GT, as the company’ first true sports car, it represents a daring leap into the luxury performance segment while staying true to the brand’s philosophy of balance and refinement. (Picture from: TopGear)

The Magma GT Concept prioritizes connection and composure over raw aggression. Genesis calls this philosophy “Effortless Performance,” delivering V8 power smoothly, predictably, and elegantly. Rather than testing the driver, it enhances skill, making every turn and acceleration feel controlled and natural. This approach positions the Magma GT as a halo model that will guide Genesis’ performance identity for the next decade. | ipOONWEtIA8 |

Its exterior is a deliberate blend of function and style. The low hood and long, sloping roofline create an aerodynamic, aggressive silhouette, while wide rear fenders and a tapering, boat-tailed cabin reinforce its planted stance. Subtle canards integrated into the headlights and the G-Matrix front pattern provide both aerodynamic efficiency and visual distinction. At the rear, two-line mechanical taillights highlight a wide, athletic stance, merging racing intent with Genesis’ signature luxury refinement. 

The Genesis Magma GT presents a deliberate fusion of function and style, defined by a low hood and a long, sloping roofline that create an aerodynamic and assertive silhouette. (Picture from: TopGear)

Beneath its sculpted body lies serious performance ambition. The mid-rear engine layout signals readiness for GT racing, elevating Genesis from luxury comfort to motorsport territory. Unveiled at Hyundai Motor Company Investor Day in New York alongside the GMR-001 hypercar for Le Mans, and then whipped the covers off the production-spec GV60 Magma. The Magma GT stands as both a showcase of design and a blueprint for the brand’s high-performance future.  

The Genesis Magma GT Concept features wide rear fenders and a tapering, boat-tailed cabin that visually lower the car, reinforcing its planted stance and high-speed stability. (Picture from: TopGear)

Genesis is redefining itself, bringing speed, handling, and racing pedigree into harmony with sophistication. The Magma GT embodies a rare duality: thrilling yet refined, powerful yet poised. It represents a vision for the next decade where high-performance vehicles do not sacrifice elegance for speed, reflecting modern automotive ambitions and Genesis’ commitment to innovation.

The Genesis Magma GT Concept also points toward the Magma Roadster, which is being prepared as one of several supercar variants when the model enters production in the coming years. (Picture from: Autocar)

The Magma GT will expand into a full lineup of variants, including a drop-top and a hardcore GT3 road car. While GT3 homologation rules require only 250 road-legal units, Genesis plans a larger production run. Creative director Luc Donckerwolke confirmed that the version unveiled is just the “base model,” with S, GTS, roadster, lightweight, club sport, GT3 road car, and GT3 R track variants planned, offering customers diverse combinations of performance and luxury. 

The Genesis Magma GT Concept is further illustrated by a Magma GT3 rendering created by Autocar, offering a glimpse of a potential track-focused variant. (Picture from: Autocar)

While the concept features a V8 engine, the final production powertrain is yet to be decided, influenced by customer demand and GT3 requirements. Donckerwolke emphasized that while the lineup may draw comparisons to the Porsche 911, it is not a direct rival. With unique design, engineering, and Genesis’ signature refinement, the Magma GT family will carve its own identity in the supercar world—a confident and composed vision of performance for the modern era. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TOPGEAR | AUTOCAR ]

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Tracing Colani’s Mercedes Designs All the Way to the C112 Megastar

Maestro WORKS - Long before futuristic supercars became common conversation pieces, industrial designers were already imagining shapes that could slip through the air with the ease of migrating birds. The late 20th century was a fertile playground for such visions, and among the most daring voices of that era was Luigi Colani, the German-born designer who championed organic curves at a time when the automotive world was still dominated by sharp angles. His philosophy was disarmingly simple: nature already solved most aerodynamic problems—designers merely needed to pay attention. That idea would guide the trajectory of his work from the 1970s into the 1990s and eventually culminate in a radical concept known as the Mercedes C112 Megastar.

Luigi Colani’s Visionary Mercedes C112 Megastar: A Supercar for the Future. (Picture from: CultObjects in X, and Image Nanobana generated)

Colani's automotive journey with Mercedes-Benz stretches further back than most people realize. In the 1970s, he began experimenting with alternative automotive shapes, often using exaggerated curvature to prove how dramatically airflow could be controlled through organic geometry. His prototypes of that decade rarely resembled production vehicles; instead, they looked like sculpted wind tunnels made tangible, a blend of biology and machinery. These early experiments set the tone for everything that followed, especially as he pushed deeper into aerodynamic theory throughout the 1980s.

Thirty-four years ago, the 1991 issue of Auto-Illustrierte (1/91) introduced the Mercedes C112 as a groundbreaking concept created by the visionary Luigi Colani. (Picture from: CultObjects in X)

By the late 1980s and into the early 1990s, Colani’s relationship with high-speed performance became increasingly intertwined with motorsport. He proposed several extreme designs for Mercedes endurance racing, including imaginative studies meant for Le Mans. These machines were shaped like rolling airfoils—smooth, domed cockpits, rounded fenders, sweeping tails, and closed wheel housings that suggested a vehicle grown rather than engineered. Although Mercedes did not adopt these proposals for official competition, the concepts themselves influenced Colani’s own thinking. They were attempts to solve the same issues Group C cars faced: the need for stability at enormous speeds, efficient cooling, and minimal drag across hours of racing. In hindsight, these racing studies became the spiritual forerunners to the road-going supercar idea he would later pursue. 

The 1970 Mercedes-Benz Colani C112 prototype, based on the Mercedes-Benz C111 with a rotary engine, stands out as a testament to his avant-garde vision. (Picture from: EternalConsumptionEngine)

That evolution led to the early 1990s, when Colani turned his attention to a more holistic supercar concept. In 1991, Auto-Illustrierte published what would become one of his most talked-about car creation under Mercedes badge—the C112 Megastar. While the name echoed the Mercedes C112 engineering prototype of the period, Colani’s interpretation was something entirely different, a sculpture of motion built upon his distinctive design language. 

The 1970 Mercedes-Benz Colani C112 prototype's rear featured with a giant wiper and a series of exhaust pipes, boasts radical aerodynamics with a drag coefficient of 0.2. (Picture from: EternalConsumptionEngine)

What made the C112 Megastar stand out was not just its visual boldness but how carefully its shape was engineered around airflow. Colani believed the world underestimated the power of what happened under a car, not just above it. In the Megastar, the air beneath the body was channeled to move faster than the air flowing over the top. This deliberate difference in velocity allowed the underbody to rise at a calculated angle, creating natural downforce at the rear axle without relying on aggressive wings or spoilers. It was a rare instance where aerodynamic function translated directly into aesthetic form.

The 1985 Mercedes-Benz W201/190 Le Mans Concept maintaining a sleek, low-slung profile, and exuded a more refined aesthetic compared to its predecessor, the Colani C112. (Picture from: ConceptCars)

The exterior continued this theme with generously sized side vents designed to extract heat from the engine and maintain steady temperatures during high-load driving. These openings did more than cool—their placement helped smooth the pressure zones along the car’s flanks, allowing the vehicle to maintain stability as speeds climbed. The roof was sculpted like an aero helmet, narrowing airflow into a controlled stream that reduced drag and guided air cleanly toward the rear. Even the tail served a role in managing turbulence, shaping the departing airflow to keep the car planted and consistent at speed.

The 1985 Mercedes-Benz W201/190 Le Mans Concept's rear incorporated smooth, rounded lines to enhance aerodynamics. (Picture from: ConceptCars)

Colani’s obsession with harmony extended all the way to the exhaust system, which he treated not as a mechanical afterthought but as part of the aerodynamic whole. Custom exhaust outlets were positioned to work with the body instead of against it, minimizing drag and supporting the airflow pattern established from nose to tail. While the interior of the Megastar was less documented than its exterior, Colani’s design philosophy suggests that he likely envisioned a cockpit built around organic ergonomics—smooth, flowing, uninterrupted shapes meant to merge with the driver rather than restrict movement.

The 1991 Mercedes-Benz W201/190 Le Mans Concept introducing slanted-style headlights, a typical modern Mercedes-Benz grille, and a striking orange hue. (Picture from: WeirdWheels)

Looking back several decades later, the C112 Megastar feels less like a relic and more like a preview of the design conversations happening today. Electric supercars, efficiency-driven shapes, underbody aerodynamics, and airflow-centric engineering have become standard topics in modern design studios. Colani’s Megastar anticipated the movement long before computational fluid dynamics became mainstream. And perhaps that is why his work continues to resonate: it occupies a rare intersection between art and engineering, challenging the idea that speed requires aggression rather than elegance.

Although the planned engine for this iteration remains undisclosed (seems like it still utilizes the donor's drivetrain), the design evolution showcased Colani's commitment to innovation. (Picture from: WeirdWheels)

Colani’s legacy is often framed through the lens of eccentricity, but the Megastar shows that his ideas were deeply grounded in physics. The car embodies decades of refinement—from his early 1970s organic experiments, to his Le Mans–inspired studies of the 1980s, to the fully formed aerodynamic philosophy he expressed in the early 1990s. The result is a concept not only representative of its era but also surprisingly aligned with the direction performance design is heading today. The C112 Megastar remains one of those rare creations that feels both rooted in its moment and remarkably ahead of it, a reminder that imagination, when paired with the laws of nature, can point toward futures the industry has yet to fully explore. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CULTOBJECTS IN INSTAGRAM | CULTOBJECTS IN X | STORY-CARS | AMAZINGCLASSICCARS | 2H-LEMANS | DARKROASTEDBLEND | ETERNALCONSUMPTIONENGINE ]

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KIA Marks 80 Years with the Futuristic Vision Meta Turismo Electric Coupe

Flux Horizon - At a moment when the automotive world is pushing hard toward cleaner energy and richer digital experiences, many brands are searching for a way to make mobility feel personal again. Instead of merely moving people from point A to point B, the conversation is shifting toward how a vehicle can shape the moments in between—those brief pauses where design, technology, and emotion meet. It’s within this evolving landscape that KIA introduces something far more symbolic than a concept car. The KIA Vision Meta Turismo steps into the spotlight as a narrative piece, tying together the brand’s past, present, and future with a level of intention that goes beyond aesthetics. 

The KIA Vision Meta Turismo Coupe steps into as a narrative piece, tying together the brand’s past, present, and future with a level of intention that goes beyond aesthetics. (Picture from: RoadAndTrack)

KIA chose a meaningful occasion for this reveal: its 80th anniversary celebration held on December 5, 2025, at KIA Vision Square in Yongin, South Korea. The event served as a reflective space, acknowledging decades of transformation while also presenting a clear declaration of what comes next. Among the retrospectives and commemorations, the Vision Meta Turismo became the undisputed focal point. As an all-electric mid-size coupe, it carries the spirit of the Stinger—KIA’s well-loved sporty model—yet reimagines that legacy for an era shaped by electrification, digital interaction, and immersive onboard environments. 

The KIA Vision Meta Turismo Coupe, an all-electric mid-size vehicle, carries the spirit of the Stinger while reimagining it for a future of electrification, digital interaction, and immersive onboard experiences. (Picture from: KIA_Worldwide in X)

Its design channels KIA’s “Opposites United” philosophy, a principle that blends tension and harmony to create something both futuristic and emotionally engaging. This is immediately evident in the car’s front profile: a shark-nose silhouette punctuated by a dark fascia, sharply drawn headlights, and sleek air intakes that suggest forward motion even when parked. The short hood transitions smoothly into a steeply angled windshield, giving the front end a condensed, athletic posture. It’s an approach that signals confidence, purpose, and modernity. 

The KIA Vision Meta Turismo Coupe channels KIA’s “Opposites United” philosophy, blending tension and harmony to achieve a futuristic yet emotionally engaging design. (Picture from: KIA_Worldwide in X)

The side view deepens that expression with bold sculpting and angular door surfaces that create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. Flared rear wheel arches emphasize performance roots, while the aerodynamically styled wheels push the vehicle further into sporty territory. A glass roof with geometric texturing adds a surprising architectural touch, elevating the coupe’s silhouette from simply streamlined to artistically intentional. Every contour seems designed to communicate movement, energy, and a certain digital-age sharpness. 

The KIA Vision Meta Turismo Coupe features a glass roof with geometric texturing, elevating its silhouette with contours that convey movement, energy, and digital-age precision. (Picture from: RoadAndTrack)

At the rear, the Meta Turismo adopts a cleaner, more understated look without sacrificing identity. A built-in spoiler extends smoothly from the bodywork, paired with boomerang-shaped taillights that sharpen the overall stance. Meanwhile, a darkened bumper and diffuser anchor the car visually, grounding its futuristic lines with a layer of performance-oriented seriousness. It’s a balance of simplicity and character, avoiding unnecessary drama while still asserting its conceptual nature. 

The KIA Vision Meta Turismo Coupe features a cabin designed as a highly immersive digital space, replacing conventional dashboards with deeper driver–machine interaction. (Picture from: RoadAndTrack)

Inside the cabin, KIA pushes into far more experimental territory. The interior is crafted as a highly immersive digital space, shifting away from conventional dashboards and toward deeper interaction between driver and machine. A key feature is the AR-HUD system—an augmented reality head-up display that uses smart glass to project information so it appears to float above the road. This setup replaces traditional screens with layered visuals that blend seamlessly into the driving experience. Complementing this are a compact rectangular display, a camera system, and a distinctive steering wheel that signals a departure from familiar cockpit layouts. The standout element, however, is the bright yellow driver’s seat equipped with joystick-style controls embedded in the armrest, suggesting a future in which driving, gaming, and intuitive navigation coexist in a unified interface. | FF0ss_fldfY |

Karim Habib, KIA’s Head of Design, emphasized that the Vision Meta Turismo embodies the company’s evolving mission: integrating dynamic mobility with human-centered spaces to create experiences that resonate emotionally as well as functionally. It reflects KIA’s continued commitment to advanced technology and to redefining how people interact with vehicles. As the brand marks eighty years of innovation, this concept doesn’t just celebrate a milestone—it signals a shift in how mobility can feel, look, and connect with modern life. The Meta Turismo stands as a bold reminder that the future of transportation isn’t just electric or intelligent; it’s also deeply, intentionally human. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KIA | ROADANDTRACK | KIA_WORLDWIDE IN X ] 

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Honda GRX Concept: An Ultra-Light Sports Vision Shaped by Motorcycle-Inspired Engineering

Hybrid Vanguard - In an era where electrification and lightweight engineering dominate nearly every automotive discussion, it’s easy to overlook a time when hybrid performance still sounded like a distant concept. Long before efficiency became a stylistic statement, Honda explored what a truly modern sports car might look like. That exploration began with the bold and futuristic J-VX of the late 1990s and later evolved into the Honda GRX Hybrid Concept—an ultra-light, compact sports study shaped by a fusion of motorcycle-inspired engineering, motorsport cues, and lessons learned from its forward-thinking predecessor. 

The Honda GRX Concept—an ultra-light, compact sports study shaped by a fusion of motorcycle-inspired engineering, motorsport cues, and lessons learned from its forward-thinking predecessor. (Picture from: CarStylingru)

The origins trace back to 1995 when Honda R&D Americas in California was given a loosely defined but ambitious mission: create a concept that could surpass the Mazda Miata in every meaningful aspect. Rather than developing a predictable competitor, the team produced the J-VX, a Japan-spec coupe built with right-hand controls and a lightweight composite-and-aluminum body. 

The Honda J-VX appeared at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show as a right-hand-drive coupe built from lightweight composite and aluminum, showcasing hybrid tech at a time when it was still rare. (Picture from: TopGear)

When it debuted at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show as part of Honda’s “J-Mover” series, the J-VX stood out not only because hybrid technology was still a novelty but also because its sharp, exotic-like styling—complete with upward-opening doors reminiscent of miniature Italian supercars—felt like a vision from a decade ahead. 

The Honda J-VX Concept, part of Honda’s “J-Mover” lineup, drew attention with its sharp, futuristic lines and upward-opening doors that lent it the character of a miniature exotic. (Picture from: TopGear)

Inside the J-VX, Honda drew heavily from junior formula racers, shaping an interior defined by a wide wraparound windshield that opened up the cockpit and fixed bucket seats molded directly to the occupants to prioritize weight reduction. Even the four-point harnesses featured integrated airbags, underscoring how committed the concept was to exploring new safety ideas within a racing-focused layout. Every element felt deliberately engineered to express lightness, precision, and experimentation. 

The Honda GRX Concept, developed by Honda R&D Americas in California, emerged as a more muscular, American-influenced reinterpretation of its predecessor, the J-VX, infused with motorcycle-derived engineering. (Picture from: FiveAxis)

That same philosophy carried into the GRX years later, though Honda adapted it with a more measured hand. The GRX kept the minimalist, motorsport-inspired atmosphere but relaxed the extremity that made the J-VX feel almost prototype-only, allowing the cabin to become more approachable without losing its performance-oriented character. As a result, the GRX echoed the original concept’s intent while translating it into a form that hinted at broader usability.

The Honda GRX Concept is powered by a 1.5-liter flat-six derived from motorcycle engineering, marking a sharp departure from its predecessor, the J-VX, which relied on early iteration Honda's hybrid technology for its powertrain. (Picture from: FiveAxis)

Under the surface, however, the divergence between the two concepts became far more pronounced. The J-VX paired a one-liter three-cylinder VTEC engine with an early iteration of Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system supported by a supercapacitor, creating a featherweight mild hybrid designed to boost performance rather than efficiency. The GRX instead abandoned hybrid experimentation altogether, adopting a 1.5-liter flat-six derived from motorcycle engineering, shifting its identity toward an exploration of cross-disciplinary powertrain synergy rather than the future of electrification.

The Honda GRX Concept retained the minimalist, motorsport-inspired atmosphere but softened the extreme, prototype-like feel of the J-VX, making the cabin more approachable without sacrificing its performance-focused character. (Picture from: FiveAxis)

Despite Honda’s enthusiasm for the J-VX’s advanced hybrid system, the idea of a hybrid sports car was seen as too daring for late-1990s production. The technology was redirected into the first-generation Insight in 1999, which carried the J-VX’s hybrid foundation but not its dramatic form. Years later, the GRX resurfaced in 2006 as a refreshed interpretation—now riding on updated bumpers, revised wheels, and a left-hand-drive layout for the American market—demonstrating that the fundamental idea of a compact, city-friendly sports concept had remained surprisingly relevant. 

The Honda GRX Concept resurfaced in 2006 with updated bumpers, revised wheels, and a left-hand-drive layout for the U.S. market, proving the compact city-friendly sports idea still had clear relevance. (Picture from: FiveAxis)

When the GRX appeared at the North American Auto Show, its design evolution became even clearer. Though still recognizable as a descendant of the J-VX, its proportions and surfaces hinted at the silhouette that would eventually influence the Honda CR-Z. The shift from a hybrid powertrain to a motorcycle-derived flat-six also reframed its character entirely, emphasizing how the concept could evolve beyond its original technical mission while still maintaining its commitment to lightness and driver-focused dynamics. | A9--O_enO9w | 69R8NbqGNSM |

The GRX eventually left the public circuit around 2015, but unlike the J-VX—whose current whereabouts are unclear—it survives today in the American Honda Museum, where it represents Honda’s late-1990s experimentation in compact performance. Placed in context, the J-VX stands as the original hybrid-driven vision, while the GRX reflects a more muscular, American-influenced evolution with motorcycle-derived engineering. Neither concept reached production, yet together they shaped Honda’s early thinking on lightweight sports ideas and hybrid-adjacent innovation, proving how impactful pure experimentation can be. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSTYLING.RU | FIVEAXIS | SUPERHONDA | HONDA-TECH | SLASHGEAR | TOPGEAR | WIKIPEDIA | DARYL K IN FLICKR ]

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Toyota GR GT Unveils a New Era of Hybrid V8 Performance

Heritage Reignited - There’s something refreshing about seeing a performance car emerge at a moment when much of the automotive world feels increasingly quiet and electrified. Every once in a while, a brand reaches back to its roots and introduces something built to excite the senses again. Toyota’s GR GT is that kind of machine—drawing from decades of heritage while embracing the engineering demands of today’s performance landscape.

The Toyota GR GT stands alongside its track-focused GR GT3 counterpart, highlighting the striking contrast between road-going sophistication and full racing aggression in a shared performance-driven design language. (Picture from: RoadAndTrack)

Toyota frames the GR GT as a successor to the 2000GT and the Lexus LFA, two icons that helped define Japanese sports-car identity across different generations. Like its predecessors, the GR GT sticks to a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout but reinvents it with a new 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 paired to a hybrid system. With a projected output beyond 478kW and 850Nm, the powertrain sends force through an eight-speed wet-clutch automatic and an electric motor integrated into the rear transaxle. Achieving a low center of gravity was a major theme during development, leading to a redesigned dry-sump system and strategic placement of heavy components deep within the chassis.

The Toyota GR GT debuts Toyota’s first full aluminum frame—set to underpin a future electric Lexus LFA—and, combined with carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic and other lightweight materials, targets a curb weight of 1750 kilograms or less. (Picture from: Drive.com.au)

The GR GT also marks Toyota’s first use of a full aluminum frame, a structure that will later support a revived electric Lexus LFA. With the help of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic and lightweight composites, the car aims for a curb weight of 1750 kilograms or less. Aerodynamics shaped its form from early development. Only after performance targets were met did designers sculpt the exterior, resulting in a long, low, and wide stance, with narrow LED headlights, high-set vents, sculpted side intakes, a ducktail rear, and thin taillights stretching across the car’s width.

The Toyota GR GT showcases a bold performance stance with its intricate multi-spoke wheel, bright red Brembo brake caliper, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tire hinting at serious track-ready capability. (Picture from: Drive.com.au)

The interior reflects Toyota’s latest design philosophy but amplified for a supercar environment. The cabin blends red leather, Alcantara, and aluminum accents for a dramatic yet functional atmosphere. Two deep carbon-fiber bucket seats anchor the driving space, supported by a wide center console filled with physical buttons and a large touchscreen running Toyota’s Arene software.  

The Toyota GR GT delivers a dramatic, functional cabin with red leather, Alcantara, aluminum accents, carbon-fiber bucket seats, and a wide console centered around an Arene-powered touchscreen. (Picture from: Drive.com.au)

A fully digital instrument cluster sits ahead of the driver, while the steering wheel integrates switches for traction settings, power delivery adjustments, braking control, drive modes, paddle shifters, and a dedicated Sport Boost button. It’s a cockpit built for focus, with modern software wrapped in materials that still feel mechanical and tactile.

The Toyota GR GT sticks to a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout but reinvents it with a new 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 paired to a hybrid system.. (Picture from: RoadAndTrack)

The path to production has been long. The original GR GT3 concept appeared in 2022, hinting at Toyota’s ambition to rejoin the supercar arena. Recent Japanese teasers once again showed the GR GT alongside the 2000GT and LFA, reinforcing the lineage Toyota wants this car to carry. Shadowed previews reveal aggressive aerodynamics, thin lighting signatures inspired by the latest GR010 race car, and a deeper V8 soundtrack that confirms Toyota’s direction for the model.

The Toyota GR GT’s rear showcases a sculpted ducktail paired with thin, full-width taillights that emphasize the car’s broad stance and aerodynamic focus. (Picture from: Drive.com.au)

Some finer points remain undecided publicly—such as market availability or whether a right-hand-drive version will exist. Early expectations place pricing in the six-figure range, still far below the LFA but firmly within flagship territory. Prototypes have been benchmarked against performance giants like the AMG GT, signaling where Toyota intends to position its new halo model. | 2iCEpVGs8R4 |

As Toyota prepares to unveil the GR GT on December 5 and bring it to the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon ahead of its anticipated 2027 global launch, the car stands as more than a technological milestone. It represents a deliberate effort to preserve the emotional qualities of driving—sound, feel, presence—even as the industry pivots toward quieter, cleaner mobility. The GR GT shows that there’s still room for a performance car that blends innovation with soul, and Toyota appears determined to make that balance matter. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DRIVE.COM.AU | ROADANDTRACK | ID.MASHABLE | CARANDDRIVER IN X ]

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Tensei: A Reborn V6-Powered Honda NSX Crafted by Pininfarina

Reborn Precision - Even in an age dominated by electrification and software-defined driving, there’s still a special thrill in seeing a familiar silhouette return to the spotlight. That feeling began some time ago, when a mysterious teaser circulated and hinted at a new project from JAS Motorsport. Recently, the company finally revealed the name behind that long-rumoured creation: Tensei, a Japanese word meaning “rebirth.” It’s a fitting title for a collaboration between JAS and Pininfarina — Honda’s longtime motorsport partner joining forces with Italy’s renowned design studio to revisit the Mk1 Honda NSX, a car forever linked to Ayrton Senna and the purity of early-1990s engineering. 

The JAS Tensei is built on an original first-generation NSX chassis, a deliberate choice that preserves the structural essence of the legendary model. (Picture from: JASMotorsport)

The project starts from an authentic place: each Tensei is built on an original first-generation NSX chassis, a deliberate choice that preserves the structural essence of the legendary model. From this foundation, Pininfarina constructs an all-new carbon-fibre body using advanced composite manufacturing techniques. The exterior keeps the original car’s compact mid-engined stance but expresses it with updated proportions, sharper surfacing, and significantly refined aerodynamics. Airflow has been completely re-evaluated using motorsport-grade simulations to enhance cooling efficiency, increase stability, and reduce drag — all while maintaining a form that still resonates with the spirit of the 1990 icon. 

The JAS Tensei, set for a 2026 unveiling, emerges as a modern reinterpretation of the iconic NSX, offering a renewed yet authentic character in an era rapidly shaped by new technologies. (Picture from: TopGear)

Beneath the sculpted carbon fibre sits a powertrain that honours Honda’s engineering roots. JAS Motorsport has developed a naturally aspirated V6 inspired by the C30A architecture of the original NSX, tuned for high responsiveness, linear delivery, and a wide rev range that rewards enthusiastic driving. This engine sends power to the rear axle through a six-speed manual gearbox, a conscious decision to retain the analog, mechanically connected feel that made the first NSX so admired. It reflects JAS’s stated philosophy that Tensei should blend modern capability with a driving experience rooted in direct engagement rather than electronic filtering. 

The JAS Tensei exterior keeps the original car’s compact mid-engined stance but expresses it with updated proportions, sharper surfacing, and significantly refined aerodynamics. (Picture from: JASMotorsport)

The influence of JAS’s three decades of competition work is just as evident in the chassis. The suspension, steering, and braking systems draw from the brand’s touring car and endurance racing development, integrating lightweight forged aluminium parts, carbon-composite elements, and competition-grade damping. These choices aim to deliver precise handling, consistent braking, and confident behaviour on both road and track. Inside, Pininfarina applies a driver-focused redesign using leather, Alcantara, and exposed carbon fibre. The cockpit embraces contemporary ergonomics while keeping analog instrumentation and a clean, decluttered layout that mirrors the philosophy of the original NSX. 

The JAS Tensei carries a sculpted carbon-fibre body over a powertrain that honors Honda’s engineering roots, featuring a naturally aspirated V6 developed by JAS Motorsport and inspired by the original NSX’s C30A architecture. (Picture from: JASMotorsport)

For JAS Motorsport, Tensei represents a major milestone: the company’s first street-legal vehicle after more than 30 years dedicated exclusively to racing. Each example will be hand-assembled in limited numbers at JAS’s Arluno facility, reflecting a commitment to craftsmanship as much as performance. With the official unveiling scheduled for 2026, the Tensei stands as a modern interpretation of a beloved supercar — neither a mere recreation nor a nostalgic echo, but a thoughtful renewal of a machine whose character still resonates in a world rapidly shifting toward new technologies. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | JASMOTORSPORT | JASMOTORSPORT IN X | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | TOPGEAR | TIME ATTACK MANILA IN FACEBOOK ]

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